BEHIND THE SCENES

Sunday

Nov 30, 2008 at 12:01 AM

By LYNN ISRAEL of the Tribune's staff

The economic tsunami rocking everyone's boat nowadays includes not just people who bolt fenders to cars or investment bankers who juggle numbers on a computer screen. The recession is roiling Columbia's artists and dancers, as well as people who run galleries and those who manage not-for-profit groups.

This town, and especially downtown, has made great strides in the past few years in supporting the arts, as entrepreneurs and others ramped up the community's access to film, music, visual arts, performing arts and much more. Consider the popular Ragtag Cinema, the fully rented Orr Street studios, the renovated Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts and the adjoining Columbia Art League in its bright new space.

On the surface it appears rosy, but art advocates say this is no time to take anything for granted. They warn area arts are at risk because consumers now lack confidence to buy a $15 concert ticket, purchase a $250 watercolor or even come downtown for a meal and a movie.

These same advocates are sending a message: The arts need public support at this time, more than ever, and the public needs the arts to help lift their spirits.

Jennifer Perlow, co-owner of PS: Gallery on Broadway, said if people don't support the arts community now, then "when the economy recovers, it won't be there."

She said artists and related businesses experience the pain quickly when the economy goes sour.

"When things get squeezed, we are one of the first areas to feel that squeeze," she said. "I'm very proud of the forward movement we have made in the past five years. I feel like there has been a tremendous amount of growth, and I would hate to see that all come to a halt."

It's happened before as galleries closed doors and artists felt underappreciated. That said, the past doesn't have to be prologue, but there are very serious concerns.

"November has been the slowest month, so far, that we have ever had since we have been open - typically it is one of our busiest," Perlow said.

The lack of support has also been felt by Karen Grundy, artistic director of the Missouri Contemporary Ballet, who was disappointed by ticket sales for her company's "Renewal" performance the weekend before the election.

"I was a little upset by the attendance we had, and ticket prices were a little lower than normal," said Grundy.

Perlow isn't promoting fiscal irresponsibility, but she said the psychological effect of the recession needs to be overcome.

"When people start getting concerned about the economy, they get paralyzed by fear," Perlow said. "And my message is: If you want to continue to see the art community grow and be a significant part of what Columbia is, you have to support it, even when you are scared."

And she said consumers can have a real impact on their community just by being thoughtful about their decision of where to spend those precious dollars.

"When you look at locally owned and operated businesses, 41 percent of every dollar you spend stays in your community," she said. "When you look at big-box stores, 17 percent."

The gallery owner suggested people turn creative themselves.

"The art league is holding classes, so instead of buying another DVD that's going to sit on a shelf, buy your sister a jewelry-making class, buy a gift certificate, even if it's for 20 bucks," she said, "even here, if it's a down payment for what they want at a later date."

Support of the arts can also be in the form of a tax-deductible donation.

Perlow said people can say to a loved one: " 'I gave $100 to the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts because I know this is important to you, and I know you love going to the Missouri Theatre.' "

Grundy said there's another big reason to support the arts during these uncertain times.

"I think the arts are a way for people to get away," she said. "If they are feeling bad and not sure where to turn, an artist lets you go into a little world for a little bit, whether it's visual or a performance. It's important for people to go" experience the arts.

The Bard returns in 2009

Earlier this month, I wrote about Amanda Altier's desire to share Shakespeare with Columbia's audiences. On Monday, the actress and director said 5th Wall Productions will launch its inaugural season this summer with the debut of the Columbia Shakespeare Festival.

The 2009 season will produce Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and Sharman MacDonald's "After Juliet." That's great news for Bard fans and a victory for Altier, who was one of the founders of the former Shakespeare in the Vineyard festival, which was staged at Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport.

The season will run June 18 to 21 and June 25 to 28, but actors are needed. She said auditions will be held April 13 and 14 at a location to be announced. Directorial interviews will be held in January. All roles and positions with the Columbia Shakespeare Festival will be paid by stipend.

Interested parties should contact Altier at leadbellynelly

Bohon sails with Big Apple musical

The spirited musical "On the Town," which recently delighted New Yorkers, should be a point of pride for Columbia. The classic tale about wartime New York and the adventures of three sailors on a 24-hour shore leave features Justin Bohon, who grew up in Columbia, as one of those Bluejackets.

AP drama critic Michael Kuchwara had this to say about the show, which ended on Sunday: The play's "book is series of fast, boisterous sketches as the three sailors search the city for Miss Turnstiles, the elusive queen of the subway. Along the way, all three find romance. And the pairings at City Center are just about perfect."

Bohon is part of a talented troika, which includes sister Melissa, who has enjoyed her share of success on Broadway, and their father, Bob, who taught vocal music at Rock Bridge High School for 27 years.

If you've had an art show open, published a poem or have any news about local artists behind the scenes, contact Lynn Israel at lisrael@tribmail.com, mail your news to the Tribune at P.O. Box 798, Columbia, Mo., 65205, or call 815-1714.